Worker burnout, the syndrome caused by feelings of emotional exhaustion at work, poses a serious risk to the healthcare industry. Studies from the Mayo Clinic and the American Medical Association have found that burnout rates among healthcare providers are high—and continuing to rise.

What defines business success? Is it innovation or revenue, or perhaps the satisfaction of an organization’s customers or people? No matter how you define it, many would agree the world’s most successful companies are built upon the foundation of strong leaders and effective teams.

In recent years, along with a rapidly evolving workforce, organizations have been prompted to invest more than ever in developing their people, particularly those in leadership roles. Businesses are operating with fewer employees and a new generation is occupying an increasing number of jobs across a variety of functions. In many cases, those in leadership roles may not be equipped with the skill sets needed to cultivate a healthy work environment for their teams. However, contrary to the popular phrase “great leaders are born, not made,” most individuals are capable of becoming an effective leader through continuing education and development.

During the summer months, organizations groom college students into future executives through summer internship programs. These young, up and coming professionals seek practical knowledge in their preferred industry. In the 1980s, only 3 percent of college students completed an internship before graduation.[i] Flash forward to the 2010s…according to a National Association of Colleges and Employees survey[ii], 52.5 percent of graduating college seniors reported working internships during their college careers.